she knew she had.
She returned to Mrs. Stone’s room. “I ordered you a new breakfast. Eggs over easy, just like you like them.”
“I’m hungry now.”
“It will only be a few moments.” Suzy checked the woman’s vitals and made note of them on her tablet. Her blood pressure teetered on the high side, but considering her mood, it wasn’t a surprise. “I’m going to deliver the rest of the breakfast trays and return with yours.” She started to walk out of the room.
“I’m sorry.”
It was so soft, she almost didn’t hear it. Suzy nodded. “I’m sorry too.”
By the time she’d finished her rounds and made notes on all her patients, Carly had arrived for the day. “How’s the new patient?”
“We’re waiting on a new breakfast tray after she threw the other one on the floor. I already put in a call to housekeeping.” Suzy shrugged. “I get it. She’s angry, but she doesn’t have to take it out on me or my clean floors.”
Carly put her arm around Suzy. “Don’t take it personal.”
Suzy shook her head and gave a wide smile. “Never do.” She brought up the main menu of her tablet. “Nothing new to go over. Besides Mrs. Stone’s temper tantrum. I spoke with her family, and they’ll be back later today to see how she’s doing.”
Carly nodded. “I get the feeling we’ll be seeing a lot of them.”
Suzy agreed. She had plenty of patients who saw their children once a week or once a month. Some who never had visitors. But Mrs. Stone would probably have more than her share of time with her kids. “I also had a call from Mrs. Stone’s supervisor at work asking if he could visit. He might be by at lunch.”
Carly made notes. “Any plans for today?”
“Besides sleeping?” She dismissed the niggling feeling that she should be cleaning the back yard. She still had time. Nine days. Plenty of time to get it all done, right? “I should probably do some laundry. A little grocery shopping.” She groaned. “Three more days, and I get a day off. I can’t wait.”
“Well, go get some well-deserved rest. I’ll hold down the fort until you get back.”
In the break room, Suzy punched out and retrieved her purse and coat. It was late September, so mornings started chilly. As she walked out the main entrance, she almost bumped into Will. “Wow, you’re early this morning.”
“Thought I’d check on her before work.” He seemed to note her appearance. “You’re just leaving for home?”
“Only a half hour past my usual time too. Let’s write the day on the calendar.” She crossed her arms. “You might want to tread lightly around your mom, she’s had a rough morning.”
“She’s never been a morning person. At least not until after two cups of coffee when the caffeine kicks in.”
“Thanks for the tip.” She stood while he watched her intently. She glanced behind her then touched her cheeks. “Do I have something on my face?”
“Pardon?”
“Was there something else you needed, Mr. Stone?”
“It’s Will. Remember?” He glanced at his watch then at her again. “Do you have time for coffee?”
She peered down at her scrubs. “I’m not actually dressed for going out.”
“I don’t care what you’re wearing. I was hoping we could talk. Even for a moment.”
She bit her lip and considered it. On one hand, it had been a long night and she could use the sleep. On the other, when was the last time an attractive man had taken her out for anything, even coffee? “Fine, but it has to be quick. I have a yard to clean up.”
He gave her a smile then led her to his truck. Once he started the engine, he glanced at her. “I really appreciate this, Suzy.”
“Sure.” She turned and looked out the window as he drove into town and to the diner. He helped her out of the truck then walked beside her into the restaurant. They could only find two open spots at the counter. “They’re busy this morning.”
“It’s blueberry pancake day.” He motioned to the waitress for two cups of coffee. “Would you like a stack?”
“I’m not much for breakfast in the morning.” She thanked the waitress who poured her coffee then added double cream and triple sugar. “But coffee? Now you’re talking my language.”
Will gave her an almost smile and stirred one sugar packet into his coffee. “I was hoping we could discuss how to help my mom.”
“Bring her some familiar things from home that will offer her comfort. Remember that she’s in an unfamiliar place, so that will help her find some peace.”
“Things like what?”
“Pictures. Favorite book. If she likes to do crosswords...” Suzy shrugged. “You know, things she enjoys.”
Will brought out a small notebook and made notes. “Puzzles, ok. What else?”
“Be patient with her. She needs that more now than ever.” She ticked the items off on her fingers. “Call or visit her often. Include her in what is going on with your life so she doesn’t feel so isolated. And above all, just love her.”
Will looked up from his notebook. “I already do that.”
“She needs to know it more now.”
He added that to his notes and then put the book down. “When my dad was sick, I was only a teen. So I didn’t have to do much. But this is different.”
Suzy placed her hand on his. “It’s going to be overwhelming at times, but you’ll get through this.”
He stared down at their hands, and she snatched hers away. They finished their coffee in silence, and Will paid the check. He walked her out to his truck. He took a deep breath, and she waited for him to say something. Before he could, he swallowed hard. “I can’t tell you how much it means to me that you did this.”
“It was only coffee and some advice.”
“You gave me reassurance when I felt lost.” He looked into her eyes and reached toward her.
She felt a warmth spread over her chest as she glanced at his mouth. But then all he did was open her door and help her into the truck.
* * *
THE GROCERY STORE bustled with shoppers who stopped in on their way home from work. Will grabbed a basket from the stack at the front and headed for the produce section. With his mom in the hospital, meals had been catch it when you can, and he grew tired of fast food and carryout. He wanted some fresh food. Even a salad sounded great.
He must be losing it.
The pyramid of oranges called to him, so he walked in that direction and pulled a plastic bag from the roll. He was quick to find four nice size oranges that felt and smelled juicy, which he put in the bag and tied it shut at the top; turned and noticed Councilman Barry watching him from the bakery aisle.
He wasn’t going to let him get to him today. He had to focus on buying food and then getting to the hospital to check on his mom. He had already dealt with several phone calls from the town council members about his job. Had justified six times over why they needed him in office to keep the town safe. He didn’t need to explain it a seventh time.
Bad enough he was one man doing a job that required a staff. What were they going to do if they did eliminate it? Give the responsibility to an already overworked colleague? He shook his head. It was starting to feel personal.
“Fancy seeing you here, Will.”
Will forced a pleasant expression on his face. At least he hoped